Developers tortuous process flies ahead of public interest

 Petition fails to fly'  (Weekend Post 15th August) and
​ABC Far North interview with Mr Cronin  (23 Aug 2022)
​Letters to the editor Cairns Post  (23 Aug 2022)

 Mr Cronin’s ill disposed media response (Petition fails to fly) to an  appeal to locate his industrial development  away from residential and sensitive  and important wildlife  areas is very disappointing and ignores  legitimate community concerns.

An industrial aerodrome located in the heart of Mission Beach threatens everything Mission Beach stands for and represents. Visitors and residents know Mission Beach as  a special place while Mr Cronin views it as a 'gap in the market'.

​The block of land  chosen for the development might be perfect for his needs but has a far greater value to the needs of the community and their rightful expectation to live in peace and quiet and not be disturbed by noisy intrusive helicopter activity.

Mr Cronin claims the tourism and emergency services he is planning as part of his development will benefit the community. This is a furphy playing on the emotional  interests of the public to gain support. There is no pressing need for these services. They are already being provided. He is avoiding discussion about the true intention of establishing an industrial helicopter base in the heart of Mission Beach.

In an interview with rural reporter Charlie McKillop on ABC Far North radio this morning,   Mr Cronin said "The funny part about this application is it is solely about erection of buildings on the site,  nothing to do with helicopters".  

Why  then, was the  development application  a Material Change of Use   to include air services?  Why did the council condition the number of helicopters on the site, the hours of operation and the flight path if the application had nothing to do with helicopters?  The community certainly doesn't think there is anything funny about this application. 

Mr Cronin also said  the community had their chance to have a say during the comment period.  The community spoke with a strong voice  when a     high number of  submissions were lodged against the DA.   Community concerns were not only ignored but the councillors were ordered by the then CEO not to talk to their own constituents, the very people who voted them to be their representatives.  One councillor claimed he could not discuss the application claiming conflict of interest.  A  culture of separation emerged between council representatives and the public  with   flippant behaviour    bordering on contempt by some councillors. ​

"This must have been a tortuous experience for you Mr Cronin"
ABC reporter Charlie McKillop

We are being told by Mr Cronin that it's too late  to object to his proposal  since the gate's closed and the horse has bolted.  He emphasises he has legal approval.  There is a difference between legal and proper.   Governments on all levels have failed the Mission Beach community forcing them  into a costly court battle,   perhaps  ill equipped  to take on  legally enforceable negotiations    with a wealthy developer who has made it clear he is not interested in doing anything  to address their concerns unless he is forced to.   

In defending his position, Mr Cronin added, "Quite frankly if I hadn’t done it someone else would have. There is already helicopter activity right in town,  we are taking a responsible approach by placing it between the towns". Based on Mr Cronin's argument we might as well all start importing fentanyl because if we don't, someone else will. 
​
 Referring to the  compromise reached between C4 and himself during the court appeal mediation, Mr Cronin claimed "We are taking a far more responsible approach to noise mitigation than other people are."   In    the absence of   regulations    covering helicopter activity in Queensland, C4 and Mr Cronin  agreed to use the noise levels in Victorian regulation as a benchmark  in the trials carried out at Mission Beach.  

 Aircraft noise is gauged  against  ambient noise of an area. We have not been able to establish exactly what the regulations are for Victoria or where in Victoria the comparison is being made  but it would be safe to say the environment would be vastly different than the high biodiversity of the Mission Beach environs.   

Being legal doesn’t make it right.

​C4 has entered into a legally binding agreement  determining 'acceptable' noise levels with an expert  who would be fully aware of how much noise a helicopter makes. The agreement was made    without  any consultation with  residents during the negotiations. 

 Charlie McKillop concluded the process must have been tortuous for  Mr Cronin. Does that mean  Mr Cronin is  a victim  instead of a wealthy businessman who has got his own way,  against the public interest?  It may be tortuous for  Mr  Cronin but  it continues to be  torturous for the community and their unknown future.​

Company (Mission Helicopters) advises it will seek advice from the (environment) department when appropriate

Being legal doesn’t make it right.  The Mission Beach community has been left in the lurch by all levels of government.    Decisions have been made behind closed doors and planning laws ignored. The community concerns have not been addressed.   ​ Where are the   governments’ responsibilities for serving communities in the public interest?  

Governments place the onus on developers to take responsibility in referring their developments for environmental assessment or entering  into fly neighbourly agreements with residents in an affected area.  Neither of these things have been done.  (see left correspondence from the Federal  Environment Minister).

Mr Cronin is the sole beneficiary of a proposal that has already caused social division and continues to cause ongoing anxiety and stress within our community. An industrial aerodrome at 2224 Tully Mission Beach Road will have an irreversible impact on our community’s sense of place and wellbeing.​

Mission Beach community continues to  voice their concerns

 
​Residents continue their  objection to this grossly inappropriate  development. They continue their appeal to Mr Cronin to demonstrate he has a genuine commitment to the Mission Beach community.

​He is the only one who can take away community angst by building his helicopter hangar at a more appropriate location. ​

Liz Gallie
President Mission Beach Cassowaries

Letters to the editor in todays Cairns Post Tuesday 23 August